Problematic Sexual Behaviours

Problematic sexual behaviours are sexual in nature, exhibited by a child, and considered inappropriate based on their age and developmental level. These behaviours can be harmful to the child or to others.

How to differentiate healthy sexual behaviour from problematic behaviour?

Sexual exploration is a healthy behaviour that allows children to discover who they are, what they feel, and what they like. Behaviours are healthy when they occur between children of the same age group, provoke pleasant sensations and emotions, and meet a need for curiosity, exploration, and pleasure.

Certain indicators help determine if a behaviour is problematic:

  • Difference in age, size, or status
  • Use of force, threats, or intimidation
  • Adult sexual behaviours
  • Physical pain or unpleasant emotions
  • High frequency of the behaviours
  • Persistence of the behaviours despite limits imposed by an adult
  • The notion of secrecy
Consult our article to learn more about sexual behaviours in children

Why does a child exhibit problematic sexual behaviours?

Perhaps because they…

  • Feel curious about sexuality.
  • Feel excited at the idea of trying something sexual they saw or heard about.
  • Feel good when engaging in it.
  • Feel proud because it makes others laugh.
  • Feel stressed and the sexual behaviours help them relax.
  • Feel angry and the sexual behaviours help them express themselves.
  • Feel lonely and the sexual behaviours help them make contact with others.

Some examples of problematic sexual behaviours

A child who:

  • Touches their sexual parts when it is not a good time or place to do so.
  • Touches the sexual parts of others, and this bothers or harms others.
  • Asks others to touch their sexual parts.

A child who:

  • Looks at the sexual parts of others, and this bothers or harms others.
  • Forces others to look at their own sexual parts, or sexual images or movies.
  • Observes others when they are naked while they do not know they are being watched.
  • Takes photos or videos of their sexual parts or the sexual parts of others.

A child who:

  • Says sexual things that bother or harm others.
  • Does not stop asking others to do sexual things even if they say “no”.
  • Kisses like grown-ups who are in love.

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